The coalition represents a partnership among NJDHSS, executives from New Jersey

private sector employers and hospital/blood bank associations.

* A blood drive will also take place throughout the day from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.The blood drive is open to the press.

WHEN:

Monday, June 16, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

*Security Clearance Requirements:

Reporters and/or photographers who wish to cover this event should provide names to Novartis contact by close of business, Thursday, June 12, in order to facilitate required security clearance.

11:00 a.m. arrival required for security clearance (see directions).

WHERE:

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Building 701, Auditorium

East Hanover, New Jersey

Background:

New Jersey faces a severe and chronic blood shortage.To address this potential crisis, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and New Jersey businesses are joining forces to increase workplace blood donations in the state through the “Save 3 Lives…All in a Day’s Work” campaign.The goal is to increase the number of people in New Jersey who routinely donate blood from 2.5 percent to the national average of 5 percent.

Directions:

Enter the Novartis campus via the Ridgedale Avenue, EastHanover gate and stop at the Visitors’ Center.From there, you will be escorted to the program.